The United Methodist Hour will offer live webcasting of all worship services during the 2006 Annual Conference. The webcasts will be offered through The United Methodist Hour’s website, www.thehour.org, for $5.99 each.

“Webcasting will allow people to participate in our worship services from anywhere in the world,” said Eddie Rester, executive director of The Hour. “If your nephew or granddaughter is getting ordained and you can’t be present, you will have the opportunity to watch it live or after the event. Or if you can’t be physically present for the Memorial Service, you can still join with conference in remembering those we’ve lost.”

To access the webcast, simply go to www.thehour.org, select “Webcast” and then choose the worship service you want to view. The webcast is available at any connection speed — dial-up, DSL or cable.

For information, contact Mike Boucher at The United Methodist Hour at 601-296-1676.

Online

Visit the conference Web site for information about Annual Conference, including forms, maps and the tentative agenda. Go to www.mississippi-umc.org, click on “Events” and look for Annual Conference 2006.

Childcare

Childcare for the children of conference members will be provided by the staff of Christ UMC. Childcare registration forms are due May 22. Forms are available on the conference Web site.

Registration

Clergy and lay members will register at separate locations this year. Clergy will register at AndersonUnitedMethodistChurch, site of the clergy executive session. Laity will register at Christ UMC. Registration opens at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 11.

Special meals

If you are planning a special breakfast, luncheon or dinner during Annual Conference please provide details to Laura Ranger in the Connectional Ministries office, 601-354-0515 or laura@mississippi-umc.org. The special meals schedule is available on the conference Web site.

Chabadza

Bishop Eben Nhiwatiwa of Zimbabwe will preach the opening worship service of Annual Conference the evening of June 11, when the conference celebrates its Chabadza Covenant with Zimbabwe and collects the mission offering. Bishop Hope Morgan Ward has designated this year’s offering for the Chabadza partnership. Gifts will open a conference communications center in Harare, Zimbabwe, support students and programs at AfricaUniversity, and assist the ministry and outreach of the Zimbabwe Area. “Chabadza” is a Shona word that means helping someone who is already at work.

Per diem

Members who may receive per diem from the conference are listed on page 318 of the 2005 Journal, Volume 1. Members eligible for per diem should keep in mind:

As in 2005, per diem will be paid at Annual Conference. No payments will be issued prior to conference.

Eligible delegates will receive a signed per diem authorization form from one of the following: district superintendent (district officers and equalizing delegates), conference liaison officer (retirees and surviving spouses) or director of Connectional Ministries (conference officers).

Per diem recipients shall bring their completed forms to conference and turn them in at the on-site treasurer’s office by noon June 12. Do not mail forms to the conference office; they will be returned.

Checks may be picked up the evening of June 13, after worship or any time June 14. Per diem recipients who must leave conference early may make arrangements with the treasurer’s office to get their checks early.

No checks will be mailed.

The Mississippi Annual Conference—empowered by love, generosity, justice and apprenticeship—forms spiritual leaders, faith communities and connections so more disciples of Jesus Christ transform the world.